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There are two distinct types of individuals in this world: those who peruse the menu at a restaurant to make their selection, and those who immediately investigate the origins of their meal by examining the underside of their plate. I firmly belong to the latter group - someone who appreciates and notices the intricate details and nuances that others may overlook. However, for a significant period of time, I settled for rather ordinary dinnerware from Bed, Bath, & Beyond, reserving the more sophisticated options for my favorite dining establishments in town.
Nevertheless, the importance of details cannot be underestimated. As we embark on our journey back to normalcy after the lockdown, I was eager to upgrade my dinnerware from the generic white to something that exudes cleanliness, refinement, and elegance - a true representation of my personal style that I would proudly use for intimate dinner parties or even casual weeknight meals with my fiancé.
This is where Year & Day comes into the picture. A San Francisco-based company that has been in operation for five years, Year & Day aims to simplify the process of setting a table that resonates with your individual taste. I have been using Year & Day's ceramic set for approximately a month now, and I am extremely satisfied with the improvement it has brought.
A New Frontier Out West
Kathryn Duryea, the founder of Year & Day, identified a significant gap in the tableware market when she moved to the Bay Area. She noticed that there were either dull white plates available at big box retail stores or expensive fine china that people were hesitant to use. Year & Day fills the void in the middle with its inspired and elegant dinnerware products.
Kathryn's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a factory in Portugal that specializes in ethical craftsmanship of ceramics, and she launched her business within a year. Her objective was to create a brand of dinnerware that people would be proud to use and display, while also addressing the shopping pain points that millennials find frustrating.
California Inspired Upgrade To Everyday Dinnerware
In addition to allocating a significant portion of our household income towards dining at the finest restaurants in Los Angeles, I possess a deep passion for cooking within the comfort of my own home. Throughout the entirety of the pandemic, I experienced the complete cycle of the cook-from-home lifestyle. However, after tirelessly preparing and cleaning countless meals over the past few years, I found myself feeling exhausted and devoid of inspiration. Nevertheless, my Year & Day dinnerware collection recently arrived, and it proved to be a transformative moment that reignited my culinary creativity.
Within this collection, we acquired the exquisite Big Plates, Big Bowls, Small Plates, Small Bowls, and Mugs, all adorned in a delightful pink colorway known as 'Daybreak,' as well as a darker and more dramatic option called 'Midnight.' The initial impression left a lasting impact, as the weight of the ceramic pieces was perfectly balanced, neither too heavy nor too light, exuding a sense of impeccable craftsmanship. A brief overview of the set is as follows:
The Big Plates, boasting a diameter of just under 11 inches, serve as versatile workhorses suitable for any meal. With ample surface area, they provide the ideal canvas for creating visually stunning and Instagram-worthy presentations.
The Big Bowls, on the other hand, prove to be ideal companions for stir-fries, rice bowls, and pasta nights. Their presence in my kitchen inspired me to revisit my long-neglected Stir Crazy cookbook, rekindling my love for its collection of wholesome stir-fry recipes.
For those seeking a refreshed dining experience, the Small Bowls offer the perfect size for indulging in a delectable serving of ice cream. Elevating the enjoyment of nightly scoops of Phish Food, these bowls inject an element of excitement into the routine.
Lastly, the Side Plates, with a diameter exceeding 8 inches, serve as an excellent option for those desiring a smaller portion or seeking to savor a delectable dessert or side salad.
In summary, the arrival of my Year & Day dinnerware collection has proven to be a pivotal moment, revitalizing my passion for cooking and providing the inspiration I had been yearning for. The impeccable design and craftsmanship of these pieces, combined with their practicality and versatility, have truly elevated my culinary endeavors.
A Seamless Shopping Experience
Year & Day impresses me with their exceptional understanding of their customers and their ability to leverage the best practices of direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies. As a reviewer for The Quality Edit, I have come across numerous products, yet I am still pleasantly surprised by Year & Day's seamless execution in delivering value right to your doorstep. It is a rare quality that I greatly admire.
Kathryn Duryea's vision for Year & Day has truly come to fruition. Personally, I cannot recall the last time I willingly set foot in a Bed Bath & Beyond store, thanks to Year & Day's remarkable offerings. Although I appreciate my mother's generosity in providing me with an abundance of 20% coupons, they have remained untouched in my glove compartment for years. Year & Day has tapped into the frictionless and internet-powered commerce revolution, positioning themselves as a frontrunner in the industry.
What sets Year & Day apart is their innovative approach to shopping for dinnerware sets. Their 'Build My Complete Set' quiz takes into account various factors such as your living situation, lifestyle, and color preferences. This makes the entire process not only incredibly easy but dare I say...fun. It is a refreshing experience to find a brand that understands the importance of personalization and convenience.
I must admit, I feel a twinge of sympathy for my UPS driver when it comes to delivering bulky and fragile purchases like dinnerware sets. However, Year & Day's thoughtful packaging and protective measures ensure that the order arrives safely at my door. Gone are the days of schlepping to the shopping center, battling for parking spots, enduring long queues, and climbing several flights of stairs in our walk-up apartment. Year & Day has truly eliminated the hassle and I couldn't be more grateful.
In conclusion, Year & Day has truly mastered the art of understanding their customers and delivering exceptional value. Their commitment to convenience, personalization, and quality is evident in every aspect of their business. They have successfully embraced the DTC playbook and have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of online commerce.
